Portable monitors have quickly become essential tools for students, remote workers, digital nomads, and professionals who need a dual-screen setup anywhere. Whether you’re working from a café, traveling, or simply want more screen space without a bulky setup, a portable monitor boosts multitasking, improves productivity, and enhances your overall workflow.
In this guide, we explore the best portable monitors for laptop productivity in 2025, what features to consider, and which models deliver the best value for different types of users.
Why Use a Portable Monitor for Productivity?
A second screen is one of the biggest productivity boosters. Here’s why portable monitors are so popular:
- Better Multitasking — View documents, emails, and apps side-by-side
- Increased Efficiency — Less window switching
- Ultra-Lightweight — Easy to carry in a laptop bag
- USB-C Plug & Play — Quick setup with a single cable
- Space Saving — Perfect for small desks or travel setups
- Works with Laptops, Tablets & Smartphones
Whether you’re a programmer, business professional, designer, or student, a portable monitor can transform how you work.
Best Portable Monitors for Laptop Productivity (2025)
Below are the top picks for productivity, based on performance, portability, build quality, and price.
- ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG – Best Overall Portable Monitor
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG excels with a high-resolution display and premium portability.
Key Features
- 16-inch WQXGA (2560 × 1600) IPS panel
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Anti-glare coating
- Dual USB-C ports + mini-HDMI
- Built-in kickstand
Why It’s Great for Productivity
Sharp text, wide viewing angles, and a taller 16:10 aspect ratio make it ideal for coding, writing, spreadsheets, and multitasking.
- Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 – Best Touchscreen Portable Monitor
If you want touch capability for drawing, annotating, or interacting directly with documents, the Lever ThinkVision M14t Gen 2 is a top choice.
Key Features
- 14-inch Full HD touchscreen
- USB-C with power pass-through
- Lightweight (650g / 1.43 lbs)
- Includes pressure-sensitive pen
Why It’s Great
Perfect for creatives, note-takers, and business professionals who annotate documents or sketch on the go.
- ViewSonic VA1655 – Best Budget Portable Monitor
For those wanting solid performance at a great price, the VA1655 delivers superb value.
Key Features
- 15.6-inch Full HD IPS
- Dual USB-C ports
- Ultra-light (2 lbs)
- Kickstand and protective case included
Why It’s Great
Affordable, reliable, and perfect for students or professionals on a budget who still want an effective second monitor.
- Arzopa S1 Table – Most Popular & Lightweight Option
Arzopa has become a favorite for travel-friendly, lightweight monitors at an excellent price point.
Key Features
- 15.6-inch Full HD
- Metal frame, ultra-thin
- USB-C plug-and-play
- Only 1.4 lbs
Why It’s Great
Affordable, slim, and extremely portable. A great everyday carry monitor for remote workers or digital nomads.
- Mobile Pixels Duex Plus – Best for Laptop-Mounted Productivity
This innovative portable monitor attaches directly to your laptop, sliding out from behind the screen.
Key Features
- Slide-out design
- 1080p IPS screen
- USB-C connectivity
- Works even in tight spaces
Why It’s Great
Perfect for people who move often or work in small spaces — no need for stands or kickstands. Great for commuters or hot-desking professionals.
- LG Gram +View 16MR70 – Best Large Portable Monitor (16-inch)
A premium 16-inch external display with excellent color accuracy.
Key Features
- 16-inch WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- USB-C power + display
- Folds like a tablet
Why It’s Great
A bigger workspace for spreadsheets, design work, and multitasking — without losing portability.
Important Features to Consider Before Buying
- Screen Size
- 14–16 inches is ideal for productivity
- Smaller sizes are more portable but less comfortable long-term
- Resolution
- 1080p is standard
- 1440p or WQXGA is better for text clarity and professional work
- Connectivity
The best portable monitors support:
- USB-C (power + display in one cable)
- HDMI (backup or legacy devices)
- Weight & Portability
For travel, aim for 1.3–2 lbs.
- Kickstand vs. Laptop-Mounted
- Kickstand = flexible angles
- Laptop-mounted = no table needed
- Touchscreen vs. Non-Touch
Touch is useful for drawing, editing, and note-taking.
Best Portable Monitor for Different Use Cases
For Remote Work & Office Productivity
- ASUS ZenScreen MB16QHG
- LG Gram +View
For Travel & Digital Nomads
- Arzopa S1 Table
- MX Anywhere 4S (light and compact)
For Students
- ViewSonic VA1655 (budget-friendly)
- Lenovo M14t (note-taking)
For Creative Workers
- Lenovo M14t (touch + stylus)
- LG Gram +View (high color accuracy)
For Tight Spaces
- Mobile Pixels Duex Plus
Tips to Maximize Productivity With a Portable Monitor
- Use vertical mode for reading, coding, or writing.
- Configure Windows/macOS virtual desktops for smoother multitasking.
- Customize color profiles if doing design work.
- Use a USB-C hub if your laptop has limited ports.
- Pair with a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse for desktop-like comfort on the go.
Final Thoughts
Portable monitors are among the best investments you can make for improving laptop productivity in 2025. Whether you need portability, touchscreen capability, a large workspace, or budget-friendly performance, there’s a monitor that fits your workflow.
From the powerful ASUS ZenScreen to the budget-friendly ViewSonic, or the travel-ready Arzopa, each model offers unique advantages that make working anywhere more efficient and enjoyable.
With the right portable monitor, your laptop becomes a true multitasking powerhouse — no matter where life takes you.
